DMX died on April 9, 2021 in White Plains, New York, after he was hospitalized on April 2 following a reported heart attack.
Biography
Earl Simmons was the second of three children of a single mother, and was born in Mount Vernon, New York Simmons ended up growing up in the School Street housing projects of Yonkers, New York. He began rapping around the age of 13, amusing crowds of children with rhymes that relied on spelled-out words, a style he called "spellbound." A local rapper eventually asked the young Earl to beatbox for him, and Simmons agreed, adopting the stage name DMX, which stands for "Dark Man of the Unknown," X being an algebraic expression for unknown. But at the time, stood for a drum system that delivered amazing beats. Eventually he decided to try his hand at serious rapping, and honed his skills during a stint at a group home. He also got into fights and frequently was on the run from police. During this period, he also began doing shows and battling other rappers (Once battling and defeating Jay-Z), making a name for himself in the New York area. He released his first album called "DMX: Unleashed and Unreleased" which was an instant hit on the streets of Yonkers. He was also featured in the Unsigned Hype section of The Source in 1988.
He stated he wanted to be a preacher when he retires from his rapping career as he stated in his reality TV Show DMX: Soul Of A Man.
DMX was a fan of the Pit Bull type dogs (American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers). He had a tattoo of one of his deceased dogs, on his back, which read "One Love Boomer". He later contributed over $1 million to the United Negro Association for unfortunate black children in New York City..
Recording career
In and out of jail, DMX decided to focus solely on his rap career. He began seriously looking for a deal and linked up with Pete McCormick Schaub, an A&R for Small Island at the time. Eventually, he signed a management deal with Ruff Ryders. They negotiated deals with both Bad Boy and Death Row Records, but he eventually landed at Def Jam. He is currently at Sony BMG, set to release his first of three albums on August 1st 2006. Rumors also arose that DMX had signed for 50 Cent's G-Unit Records, but were dismissed in a public news conference.
It's Dark and Hell Is Hot
Before It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, DMX released the single "Born Loser" which was banned on MTV due to the video's graphic images. DMX's debut single was "Get At Me Dog", which was an instant hit. His critically-acclaimed debut album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, is often credited with revitalizing Hardcore Rap in the mainstream scene, after the death of Tupac Shakur, and after Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Entertainment briefly dominated the charts with their pop-oriented and sample-reliant tunes.
In 1997, DMX earned a second major-label shot with Def Jam, and made a successful guest appearance on LL Cool J's "4, 3, 2, 1." Additional guest spots on Ma$e's "24 Hours to Live" and fellow Yonkers MCs the The LOX's "Money, Power, & Respect" created an even stronger buzz, and in early 1998, he released his debut Def Jam single, "Get At Me Dog." The song went gold and was a hit on the rap and dance charts. The single paved the way for DMX to release his classic first full-length album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, which debuted as number one on the pop charts.
Produced mostly by Damon "Dame Grease" Blackman, (Swizz Beatz produced the "Ruff Ryders' Anthem", paving the way for future projects between the two). It's Dark and Hell Is Hot earned DMX numerous comparisons to Tupac Shakur for his booming and aggressive presence on the mic. The album went on to sell over four million copies and earned him credit for revitalizing Hardcore Rap after the deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Shortly after the album's release in May 1998, DMX was accused of raping a stripper in the Bronx, but was later cleared by DNA evidence. He made his film debut together with Nas and Method Man in Hype Williams' mildly successful film Belly. Although not a critical success, the film found a strong following with hip hop audiences.
Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood
DMX completed his second album before the end of 1998, and a pending buyout of Def Jam pushed the record into stores December 15. Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood entered the charts at number one and eventually went triple platinum. This number one hit made DMX the first rapper to have two number one albums in the same year. The cover photo of the rapper covered in pig's blood caused some controversy. The single "Slippin'" became his first chart hit in the UK. DMX hit the road with Jay-Z and the Method Man/Redman team on the blockbuster Hard Knock Life tour the following year. He had a song called "Jack Moves" with the legendary rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, but the song did not appear on the album.
...And Then There Was X
DMX released his third album on December 21, 1999, ...And Then There Was X, which was his third straight album to debut at number one. Party Up was his biggest single since "Get at Me Dog" which became his first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. His next singles off the album, "What's My Name" & "What These Bitches Want" feat. Sisqó were also popular. ...And Then There Was X is the rapper's best-selling album to date, going 6x platinum and 9x platinum worldwide, & one of the fastest made by DMX : Def Jam urged him to realise the tracks within a month, while DMX used to take a year to write songs.
The Great Depression
After resolving his legal problems, DMX returned to the studio and completed his fourth album, The Great Depression. Released October 3, 2001, it was DMX's fourth straight album to debut at number one. The album demonstrated his still strong allegiance with the Ruff Ryders. The Great Depression went platinum quickly, but lacked the staying power of his previous releases.
Grand Champ
Released in 2003, Grand Champ was DMX's fifth straight album to debut at number one, extending DMX's position as the only artist in history to have 5 albums (his entire album catalog at that point) debut at #1. Fans and critics claimed disappointment with the album, most stating that it felt formulaic. After its release, DMX informed the public that he planned on retiring from the rap game and that Grand Champ would be his final album. He later ended his brief retirement and announced his plans to record the album Year of the Dog...Again. It debuted with approximately 125,000 albums sold, but failed to give DMX a sixth consecutive #1 album. The album is his lowest selling to date, and has yet to reach Gold in the U.S.
Year of the Dog...Again
Released August 1st 2006, Year of the Dog...Again had numerous problems due to DMX switching record labels, as well as numerous delays. The album's five predeccesors debuted at #1, while this album missed the top spot by only a few thousand sales. In March, 2006 it was announced that the album had been renamed to "Year of the Dog, Again," from "Here We Go, Again." When DMX switched to Sony, Def Jam allowed him to keep all of the tracks he had created for the album. It was reported that most of the tracks were being reworked, with updated production, however the reworked album has also been leaked. DMX has also appeared on Busta Rhymes' "Touch It (The Remix)". He has also released his new singles "Lord Give Me A Sign", and "We In Here" feat. Swizz Beatz, which are included in "Year of the Dog...Again".
No Sunshine
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't no sunshine when it's on
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when it's on, 'cause when it's on
You niggas know to be gone, every time, 'cause we don't play
"Who turned out the lights?" is what niggas be sayin'
Thinkin' it's alright, keep playin' with that role
And you gonna know the night when you layin' in that hole
Dirt gettin' tossed in your grave, now it's all over
Preacher said you was brave, but now it's all over
You just one of the many plenty I done gave it to
Ain't no savin' you
No matter how many tears your moms cried
Ain't gon' bring your ass back, plus in hell you gon' fry
Why? But now the only two relative questions
Is "do we bury him or burn him? Any suggestions?"
Either way, you up out of here for good
Now when niggas mention your name, they knockin' on wood (aight)
Did I get my point across?
Another body on the shottie, another joint I toss
Ain't no sunshine when it's on
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when it's on, 'cause when it's on
You niggas know to be gone every time, 'cause we don't play
Every time, 'cause we don't play
Every time, 'cause we don't play
It ain't no sunshine when the dark man comes out
And I want mine, so I plan to keep my gun out
We got four nines, so niggas run in and run out
But I bust mine, 'cause I'd like to hear some shouts
Get at me dog, niggas know how it's goin' dizzy
When it comes to that flow, I gets busy
Who is he? Dark man of the unknown (rrr, arf)
One dog, one bone
Now who ain't goin' home? Looks like you
You hit strike one, talkin' shit, strike two
Won't be a strike three, 'cause I don't play fair
I'ma look you in your eye while he hit you from the rear
Be like, yeah, holdin' you up 'cause you fallin' (what?)
The Lord ain't comin', so nigga, stop callin'
You was ballin' a minute ago, in it for dough
'Til it was, "yo, I swear to God, I didn't know"
Ain't no sunshine when it's on
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when it's on, 'cause when it's on
You niggas know to be gone, every time, 'cause we don't play
Every time, 'cause we don't play
Every time, 'cause we don't play
And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
What you think you gon' get, fuck around with my dough
Just so it ain't no mistakes, this is my show
One (one) two (two) three, here I go
Your shit is quick, and your shit is slick, but this shit is thick
Ain't you hear this shit? Damn right, I can finish shit
If you caught that verse without a rewind, you can see mine
But you'd be blind, I'll do it 360 and come up from behind
Tap you on your shoulder, have you turnin' around
Hit you with somethin' that'll have you burnin' the ground
Be like, "damn, ain't nothin' left of money but a pile of ash"
Life is good, so please enjoy it while it lasts
'Cause you know ain't got much longer to go
The quicker you go depends on the stronger the flow
Well, niggas know, I don't give a fuck, right or wrong
But ain't no sunshine when it's on
Ain't no sunshine when it's on
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when it's on, 'cause when it's on
You niggas know to be gone every time, 'cause we don't play
Every time, 'cause we don't play
Every time, 'cause we don't play
The lyrics to DMX's song "No Sunshine" speak of violence and death in the context of an urban environment. DMX's menacing and unyielding tone conveys a sense of danger and volatility that permeates the entire song. The chorus repeats the phrase "ain't no sunshine when it's on" to suggest that darkness and violence are prevalent in the community, and that one should avoid confrontation at all costs. The message suggests that there are real consequences to one's actions, and the imagery of being buried in a grave serves as a vivid reminder of the dangers that lurk in the streets. The verse about the "dark man" coming out alludes to DMX's own persona, further emphasizing the dangerous nature of the environment.
In the second verse, DMX raps about protecting oneself with a gun and the willingness to use it. The violent imagery continues with the lyrics about hitting someone from behind and leaving a pile of ash. DMX's message is clear: those who live in this environment must be tough and willing to defend themselves at all costs. The repeated phrase "every time, 'cause we don't play" adds to the menacing tone of the song, creating a sense of a community that is always on guard.
Overall, the lyrics to "No Sunshine" paint a picture of a bleak and violent environment where danger lurks around every corner. DMX's tone and word choice convey a sense of toughness and danger that makes it clear that one must be willing to fight to survive in this world.
Line by Line Meaning
It's dark, and hell is hot
The atmosphere is ominous and foreboding, and the consequences for crossing me are severe
Ain't no sunshine when it's on
When my presence is felt, there is no happiness or light in the room
Only darkness every day
My aura and behavior inspire fear and anxiety in those around me
You niggas know to be gone, every time, 'cause we don't play
My reputation is such that people know to stay away from me, or else suffer the consequences
Did I get my point across?
I am emphasizing the severity of the threat I represent, and want to ensure that people understand the gravity of the situation
Every time, 'cause we don't play
I am reiterating that I am not to be trifled with, and that my behavior is consistent
It ain't no sunshine when the dark man comes out
My behavior and the impression I give off creates a sense of darkness and unease
Now who ain't goin' home? Looks like you
I am taunting my opponents and letting them know that they will not emerge victorious
Ain't no sunshine when it's on
I am reinforcing the idea that my presence brings darkness, danger, and fear
And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
I am confident and self-assured in my abilities and my reputation
Just so it ain't no mistakes, this is my show
I am reminding everyone that I am in charge, and that I will not hesitate to take control and make things happen as I see fit
Your shit is quick, and your shit is slick, but this shit is thick
I am acknowledging the talents and abilities of my opponents, but indicating that I am still more powerful and competent
Ain't you hear this shit? Damn right, I can finish shit
I am boasting of my abilities to win and succeed, even in the most difficult situations
Well, niggas know, I don't give a fuck, right or wrong
I am asserting my disregard for rules and societal norms, and making it clear that I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals
But ain't no sunshine when it's on
I am reemphasizing that my presence brings darkness, danger, and fear to those around me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Damon J Blackman, Earl Simmons, Bill Withers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amandalott4051
Who else here from 2024 🎉
@richardodongo4259
Maaaaaadd!!!!👌
@joaovitorsoaresnunes3457
🙋♂️
@blackmnc
🎉
@MarkLord-ft7mg
He Manchester UK 👊👍
@user-sc1qe7hu5q
მე ვარ 😊
@chrisredfield6274
Anderson Silva came out to this song every single time he defended his title. It just gave you chills when the arena darkened and this song hit.
@ericbeard3017
Yes sir perfect song for him
@user-vo9is6hd7r
It was game over when they hear this , the spider was coming
@user-lv9ff2kb2l
Yup, Silva is the reason I know the song lol